Written answer
General Practitioner Services
The Government is expanding GP training, funding and overseas recruitment, while reviewing general practice to improve provision in Louth and underserved areas.
4138. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health if she will detail the plan to deal with the lack of GP provision in Louth, and throughout the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59372/26]
Comment on this
GPs are self-employed practitioners and therefore may establish practices at a place of their own choosing. There is no prescribed ratio of GPs to patients, and the State does not regulate the number of GPs that can set up in any area.
Under the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. Currently there are 2,604 GPs contracted to provide services under the GMS Scheme. A further 642 GPs do not hold a GMS contract but hold some other contract(s) with the HSE for the delivery of health services.
The Government is committed, as per the Programme for Government, to increase the number of GPs practicing across the country and thereby increase access to GP services for all patients.
Over €340 million in additional annual investment in general practice has been provided under the 2019 and 2023 GP GMS Agreements. The Agreements provide for, amongst other things, increased GP capitation fees, increased and new supports for practices, as well as new fees for additional services. Specific supports are available for eligible practices in rural areas and in areas of urban social deprivation.
The annual intake of doctors into the GP training programme has been increased by approximately 80% from 2019 to 2024, with 350 new entrant training places made available in 2024 and again in 2025. 400 new entrant places were provided for this year. As a result, the number of GP graduates has increased in recent years and will continue to increase in the coming years.
In addition, recruitment of GPs from abroad is ongoing under the International Medical Graduate (IMG) Rural GP Programme. As of end 2025, there were 111 IMG GPs within the programme placed in general practice and a further 58 had completed the 2-year programme. The placement of IMG GPs is targeted to rural and underserved areas.
Also, a Strategic Review of General Practice is currently underway, led by my Department and with support from the HSE. The review is examining the issues effecting general practice, including issues related to GP capacity, and will consider further possible mechanisms to attract GPs to rural and underserved areas. When completed the review will set out recommended actions for a more sustainable general practice.